Investors and guests were invited to kick off renovations to the building that once served as the Franklin Town Hall. After months of negotiations, the building will next serve as the home of the Lazy Hiker Brewery.

Proprietors Ken Murphy and Lenny Jordan with the help of Arrowood Construction recently began renovations and Tuesday's open house served as a celebration of what's to come. The structure's main building that sits facing West Main Street and once served as the fire department, will have a taproom where visitors can come in and try the local craft beers.

Behind that building sits another structure that was formerly a garage for large service trucks. That space will be used for brewing and will contains vats, kettles, and other materials needed to produce the beer.

According to Murphy, the brewery could be open for business next spring.